How the Joy of Volunteering Molds the Student Doctor

By Isabelle Casado

Christmastime came around—I must have been about 8-years-old. My father had been collecting toys throughout the year. I remember watching him, month after month, quietly putting aside a little something here and a little something there. You can only imagine my excitement as an 8-year-old who thought she hit the ultimate gift lotto.

Except—something better was soon about to happen.

One evening, my father sat me down and said, ‘’Today, I am Santa’s helper. We’re going to an orphanage to deliver these gifts.”

A few days before Christmas, we arrived at the orphanage. I remember seeing so many children around my age. We played, we danced, and we opened presents together. It wasn’t until years later that I truly understood the gift my father gave me that day: the joy of volunteering.

Every year afterward, we volunteered together—at children’s hospitals, veteran centers, orphanages, and in various efforts to bring cheer to our community during the holiday season. Through his actions, my father taught me that volunteering isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s a way of life. He showed me what it meant to show up for others, and how those moments—though small—could leave a lasting impact.

His life experiences shaped his commitment to serving the community, and in turn, inspired me to do the same. I genuinely don’t believe I would have envisioned myself as a doctor in training had it not been for those lessons. The seeds of empathy, compassion, and service were planted long before I ever stepped into a hospital.

One particular experience stands out during my time in medical school. I volunteered with young patients with Type 1/Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. I had some knowledge of the condition through a family member, but my perspective was that of an adult managing diabetes. Interacting with these young patients revealed an entirely different narrative—one of resilience, innocence, and adaptability.

During one visit, a mother sat down beside me and began sharing her daughter’s story. She spoke of the initial shock and the emotional toll the diagnosis took. Her daughter became withdrawn, hesitant to leave the safety of her home. But over time—and with the support of the community and volunteers—this young girl began not only to adapt but to thrive. She eventually became a volunteer herself, helping other children navigate their new realities. Her transformation reminded me how powerful even the smallest acts of kindness can be.

From experiences like these, I’ve come to realize that it’s the seemingly little moments—the conversations, the laughter, the shared humanity—that shape you into a better student doctor. Volunteering teaches you more than medical facts; it teaches you to listen with empathy, to approach others with compassion, and to lead with humility.

As we journey forward in our training to become the best physicians we can be, I encourage every student doctor to embrace the community. You might be surprised at how much it gives back to you. Volunteering doesn’t just help others—it molds you, strengthens you, and prepares you for the incredible responsibility of caring for others in their most vulnerable and joyful moments.

BIO:

Isabelle is a medical student, passionate about serving her community and making positive impacts. She has experience volunteering across diverse patient populations, including individuals with diabetes, recovering stroke patients and veterans in hospital settings. Isabelle was among the first taking part in a peer-mentorship program at her alma mater to support incoming freshman students entering STEM fields, fostering collaboration and academic success.